Christ on the cross, Saint John to the right looking toward him, to the left is the fainting Virgin Mary supported by two women 1582

Agostino Carracci’s 1582 etching "Christ on the Cross" depicts a dramatic scene of the Crucifixion with a focus on the emotional responses of those present. The central figure, Christ, is portrayed with anatomical accuracy, emphasizing the physical toll of his suffering. Mary, his mother, faints as she witnesses the agony, being supported by two women. John, the disciple, stands to the right, looking sorrowfully at Christ. The composition, balanced around the central vertical form of the cross, utilizes chiaroscuro to emphasize the somber atmosphere. This print is a prime example of Carracci's mastery of etching, a technique he employed throughout his career.